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SAN LORENZO VALLEY
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Press Release
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Bruton
Contact: Dr. Laurie Bruton, lbruton@slvusd.org
February 21, 2018
The District recently learned about allegations made on social media regarding one of its bus drivers. The following is intended to address those allegations and provide information for students, parents and District faculty who have questions about the nature of the allegations.
On September 21, 2017, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District was informed by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department that law enforcement was investigating allegations made by a student and her mother about inappropriate touching by a SLVUSD bus driver. The District immediately placed the driver on administrative leave pending the investigation.
The District fully cooperated with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department during its investigation, which was concluded by October 6, 2017 and reportedly passed on to the District Attorney's office with a recommendation not to press charges. To date, the District Attorney's office has not pressed charges against the bus driver. When it became clear that the Sheriff's Department had completed its investigation, the District hired an outside independent investigator to conduct an internal investigation on behalf of the school district. The District's internal investigation determined that each of the allegations were not sustained.
The bus driver who was the subject of the allegations has worked for the District since January of 2017. Before he began working for the District, the driver was fingerprinted and a criminal background check was conducted by the California Department of Justice and FBI. The driver provided positive references and the District conducted a reference check. Finally, the District is not aware of any complaints having ever been made about the driver until the Sheriff's Department contacted the District on September 21, 2017.
We understand many parents have questions, so the District will be as transparent and forthcoming as possible, but please understand that the District cannot provide any information that might interfere with law enforcement activities and/or invade the bus driver's privacy rights. Parents who have additional questions can direct any inquiries to Superintendent Bruton.
The District strives to provide a positive learning environment for all students. The District, teachers, and staff understand the seriousness of these allegations, so the District will continue to assist law enforcement in the event any further investigation is deemed necessary. SLVUSD is committed to school and community safety. Administration, teachers and staff will continue to work towards ensuring that every one of our students feels safe at school.
